What Are You Fighting For? (A Poem)

A poem inspired by the ongoing fights following our last presidential election.

A few days ago, I decided I would stop talking politics. This isn't because I don't care about them. It's because I realized the constant political discussions were growing more and more heated and I cared more about my family and friends than I did about being right or justifying my vote. Unfortunately, many of my friends continue to argue and this poem was inspired by them.

My Poem

Oh how I miss the days

When I could talk to my friends and family all night.

Instead of today, when I’m afraid to open my mouth

Because one unfiltered comment will likely cause a fight.

I wish we could rewind back to a time

When we could hear the voices of dreamers and romantics

Instead of hearing taunting, pessimists and

Nothing but talk of politics.

Oh, what I would give to listen to conversations full of joy and hope

Especially with the holidays approaching and a new year, full of new opportunities, nearly in bloom.

Instead, I have to consider un-following a friend

Because their newsfeed is constantly filled with messages of doom and gloom.

Arguing

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

How it saddens me to watch two friends argue over something that has already happened

To the point their differences of opinion become insults.

Is it really worth throwing that friendship away

When arguing is not going to change the results?

As the holidays approach

I realize my Christmas list is once again short this year.

But, near the top of it,

Is having my friends and family remember it is a time to be grateful for what we have and a time to cheer.

For while we may have our differences of opinion

They shouldn’t be enough to tear us apart.

Because, when it is all said and done, we all need and want the same things.

And we realize that truth way down deep in our hearts.

We may feel the need to justify our stances

And prove ourselves right.

But, if it means losing a life-long friend

Does being right really help you sleep at night?

And, let’s not forget, if, at the end of the day

All your friends and family have been shown the door.

Then maybe you really need to ask yourself

If you’ll have nothing to show for it at the end, what are you fighting for?